Now in its 32ndyear, the Toque d’Or® competition helps to bridge the gap between the theories of the classroom, work-based learning and the exciting reality of the industry. This year the competition will be more inclusive than ever, offering the same opportunities to front and back of house competitors to reflect the equally important roles within the industry.

To make the competition even more accessible, colleges will be invited to enter individual chefs and front of house students rather than teams, and front of house apprentices can apply for the first time alongside their chef counterparts. Entrants will also be able to register digitally via the new website. The new platform allows users to complete the registration process in stages, making entry quick and simple.

Katya Simmons, Managing Director, Nestlé Professional®UK&I said: “Toque d’Or® is constantly evolving and this year is no exception. The competition is committed to helping to build a sustainable future for the hospitality industry and that’s why we’re so passionate about driving skills development both back and front of house.”

This year’s Toque d’Or® winners have just returned from a once in a lifetime trip to Bilbao and San Sebastian in Spain’s Basque country. The hospitality starsspent four days on a gastronomic journey that included pintxos tours and a masterclass in Basque cider sampling and pouring. On top of this, the winners also experienced an evening at the Chef’s Table of three Michelin Star restaurant, Arzak, with Elena Arzak herself, as well as a tour of the kitchen, cellar and laboratory.

Simmons continued: “The trip provided a fantastic opportunity for the winners to get to know some truly amazing businesses, showcasing the very best the hospitality sector has to offer. Innovation and creativity are exciting prospects to aspiring talent and we want to inspire the future stars of foodservice by opening their minds to the possibilities that are available to them.

Speaking about the experience, 2019 apprentice winner Drew Dawson, said: “It was an absolutely superb trip. I learnt so much. We explored the culture and got to see lots of different sides of the hospitality industry.”

So far Toque d’Or®has helped to support the careers of over 8,000 contestants and worked with high profile chef partners including, Simon Hulstone, James Tanner and Adam Bateman.

Talking about the competition, Yasmine Selwood from University College Birmingham’s 2019 winning team, said: “If there was somebody who wanted to enter the competition, I would say to them absolutely go for it…it’s fantastic! You’re going to have the most incredible experience from start to finish, whether you get all the way through or only part way through.”

Entering the Nestlé Professional®Toque d’Or® competition couldn’t be easier. Whether you are a student or apprentice wanting to compete, or a lecturer or employer keen to open doors to new development opportunities, visit www.nestleprofessional.co.uk/toque-dor. Registration for the competition closes on 22ndNovember 2019.